Your kids’ digital footprint
As a social media manager, I spend a lot of time online. Like, a LOT. Seriously, don’t ask to see my weekly screentime report…
One thing that I am continuously struck by is the kind of content people are sharing about their kids online. And while we could have a lengthy debate about whether you should share pictures of your children online at all, I wanted to focus on a few concrete changes that parents can make TODAY to prioritize their children’s safety, and their digital footprint.
First, what is a digital footprint? Your digital footprint refers to the traceable digital activities, actions, and communications that internet users leave behind when using the web, social media, and other digital platforms. This includes information like posts, comments, and photos shared online, as well as data collected from their browsing habits and online interactions. And, it includes the photos that are posted, which live FOREVER online, even if shared to temporary spaces like Instagram stories or on SnapChat, thanks to tools like screenshots and screen recording.
For parents, this means being conscious about the kind of information they’re sharing about their children online, with the understanding that what they’re posting will live forever on the internet, and could potentially come back to haunt your kids at a later date (who wants their potential boss finding a picture of them in the bath when Googling them? Yikes)
With this in mind, I’ve put together a brief list of the kind of content parents should refrain from sharing online:
Bath Photos. This is a BIG no-no. Even if the private parts are not visible, these photos and videos are extremely popular with predators. They don’t need to see everything. In fact, this is exactly the kind of content that is most likely to be downloaded and shared by sex offenders. You shouldn’t be posting bath content online EVER. I legit cringe every single time someone I know shares a bath photo or video of their kids. Seriously one of the most dangerous kinds of images you can share of your child online.
Nude Photos. This should go without saying but don’t post photos or videos of your child naked online. Ever. Even if they’re just a baby. Even if they have a rash you’re concerned about and want to ask other moms in a mommy group if they’ve seen something similar. What may seem innocent to you is a goldmine for predators. It doesn’t matter if your account is private, it doesn’t matter if you’re sharing it to “friends only” in your stories. There is no such thing as privacy online. Predators can easily access and screen record this content. You shouldn’t be posting anything that you wouldn’t also be comfortable seeing as a billboard on the highway.
Videos and Pictures of Your Child Eating. This one isn’t quite as obvious, but is extremely important. If we’ve learned anything from Wren Eleanor, it’s that kid content can be corrupted and used for nefarious purposes. Avoid posting pictures or videos of your child licking a popsicle or an ice cream cone, eating a banana, etc. This unfortunately leads very disgusting people to use this content for very disgusting purposes.
Identifying Information. It’s extremely tempting to post “first day of school” pictures of your kids holding a chalkboard with their age, favourite colour, teachers name, etc. But this information can be used by predators to gain access to your children and earn their trust. The name of your child’s school, their teacher’s name, and all other identifying information should be kept private, and NOT shared online.
Tantrum Videos. Listen, I spend a lot of time in mommy groups and I see SO many videos of toddlers having tantrums and it frustrates me to no end. Why would a parent’s instinct during such a sensitive and vulnerable moment be to film and share it with the world? Again, be conscious of your child’s digital footprint, and whether or not they would consent to this kind of content being shared online. Children aren’t able to provide informed consent, and as parents, we need to make informed decisions on their behalf, and in their best interests. And, as our children get older, have conversations with them about what they are and aren’t comfortable with us sharing. And be respectful of their boundaries in this regard.
The goal of this blog post isn’t to shame parents who have been posting this kind of content, but rather to educate them on best practices so they don’t continue to make the same mistakes moving forward. As parents, we need to be able to admit our mistakes, and do better for our kids.
If you’re looking for more information on ensuring your child’s safety online, check out a recent webinar I gave in my store.
